Panglossianism
/panˈɡlɒsɪənɪz(ə)m/noun
The belief that all occurrences or developments have a beneficial purpose or result; naive or unrealistic optimism.
- Sometimes used specifically in evolutionary biology (usually disparagingly) with reference to the theories of adaptationists..
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in ‘Anthony Burgess’ (1917–1993), writer and composer (real name John Burgess Wilson). From Panglossian + -ism.